When The Aspen Institute needed to quickly support state governments navigating new federal safety net regulations, they turned to Cornershop Creative with an urgent request: build two microsites in just a few weeks. These sites needed to connect nonprofits, state officials, and funders with critical technical assistance resources—fast.
Federal policy changes had created immediate challenges for states, and a coalition of nonprofits had already been organizing to respond. What they needed was a centralized digital hub—a “concierge” platform that could connect the right people to the right resources at the right time. Speed was essential, but so was clarity, usability, and long-term value.
To meet the tight deadline, we used a strategic and efficient approach. We replicated the structure of an existing Aspen microsite and customized it for two separate initiatives: one focused on benefits implementation (HR1) and another supporting the Benefits Futures Project (BFS). Both sites were built on Pantheon hosting, and our team worked in parallel across design, development, and content to compress a multi-month timeline into just a few weeks. Close collaboration and clearly defined milestones kept the project moving, with rapid feedback cycles ensuring steady progress toward launch.
The microsites were designed to function as flexible initiative hubs rather than formal organizational websites. Each site serves two primary audiences: state officials seeking technical assistance and funders looking to support high-impact work. We created curated resource libraries, highlighted partner organizations providing on-the-ground support, and built clear pathways for users to connect with the coalition. The design emphasizes clarity and accessibility, helping users quickly understand available resources and take action.
Both microsites launched on schedule, giving The Aspen Institute immediate tools to support states and engage funders during a critical moment. This project stands out for its speed, coordination, and strategic execution. By delivering two fully functional microsites under urgent timelines, we helped enable a coordinated national response—demonstrating how effective web development can keep pace with rapidly changing policy needs.
See the other work we’ve done for the Aspen Institute and their programs here:
